1401 W. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78703

Labor support is a very important job, and one that we at HBCTX do not take lightly. The person you choose to share with in this most intimate time should understand your goals and wishes and help you to achieve them. A Labor Support person, or doula, is not a replacement for the birth companion (father, husband, partner). They are simply an additional pair of hands to help in any way necessary. Sometimes that involves fetching drinks and cool washcloths and sometimes it means reminding the laboring mother that everything she's feeling is normal and safe.

Throughout history, women have surrounded themselves with other women during this intensely emotional time. Only another woman, who has herself experienced the joys of birth, can accurately understand what you're feeling at that time.

As recorded in Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, a doula can be beneficial in several different ways:

• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

Heather is a Certifed Professional Labor Companion trained through the HypnoBirthing Institute, as well as a Licensed Midwife. Heather is currently the only HBCTX doula accepting births.

Currently, HBCTX doulas offer Labor Support Services for $950, with a $200 discount for HBCTX students. Half the fee is due on retainer and the other half due by your 36th week of pregnancy, unless other arrangements are made.

If you would like to inquire about non-HBCTX doulas, please email us for a referral to a HypnoBirthing friendly doula to serve your needs.